Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family
Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family
Author
:
Lucy Moore
Product Type: eBook with Glassboxx
£9.99
Digital eBook Only - 'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!
This item is available to purchase from BRF Ministries with orders being fulfilled by Glassboxx, our digital service provider.
| Title | Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family |
| Author | Lucy Moore |
| ISBN | |
| Description | Digital eBook Only - 'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them! Messy Family Fun gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:
|
| Details |
|
Digital eBook Only - 'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!
Messy Family Fun gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:
- Messy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days
- Messy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families
- Background, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas
- Comprehensive downloadable support material
Related
{"id":14961567138172,"title":"The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan","handle":"the-adventure-cruise-midweek-and-holiday-club-programme-a-ready-to-roll-five-day-holiday-club-or-12-week-midweek-club-plan-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eExciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs. Pull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of fun-filled activities for 5-11s. Cruise six 'C's and meet people along the way whose lives changed course when they met Jesus. Discover their stories through the six 'C's of choice, courage, call, change, commitment and challenge, and find out how we too can get on board with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the six themes is unpacked through an exciting mix of songs; up-front talks and theme illustrations; team challenges; daily dramas with the ever-popular Watt family; crafts; games; puppet sketches; dramatised Bible stories; quizzes and funsheets, all provided off-the-peg and ready to roll. There are also hints and tips for setting up your club, suggested programme outlines, creative prayer activities, downloadable MP3s of all the songs; templates for posters, badges, invitations and registration sheets; and ideas for an extra event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for 5-11s in midweek and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of simple, fun-to-do activities. We'll be cruising the six 'C's, meeting people along the way who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. First of all there is the 'C' of Choice, then Courage, Call, Change, Commitment and Challenge. Just like the people we meet in the Bible stories about Jesus, we have choices to make, many of which will involve a great deal of courage. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. The Watt family serial drama helps set the scene and leaves the children on a cliff hanger each time, ensuring that they are keen to return to hear the next episode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafts: A range of simple crafts ideas that fit with the theme of the programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGames: Team games for the children to enjoy. Also good for spending excess energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuppet sketches: A fun way to introduce and reinforce the theme for the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick quiz questions: An ideal way to recap and reinforce in a fun way what the children have learnt. Also a way of earning points for the teams or tokens to spend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible story narrations: Many children attending a holiday or midweek club know few stories from the Bible, so this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them. There are profound lessons to be learned from the amazing stories, so please never feel that we have outgrown them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayers: A quiet way to explore the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime fillers: Ideas for expanding the programme as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemplates: Simple ideas for creating the publicity and administration items for your club.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadges, invitation cards, registration form and presentation poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotocopy permission is given on all scripts and music notation for the theme songs and memory verses, as well as the templates for the crafts, publicity, and administration forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe songs within The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme are available on a CD directly from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/johnhardwick.org.uk\/\"\u003eJohn Hardwick's website\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn works under the banner of Counties and Children Worldwide to present the Christian message in an exciting way, which will appeal to children of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is an all-age worship leader at Spring Harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e offers resources for a nautically themed holiday club or midweek programme. Unlike the other books reviewed here, it does not cater for all ages, but is entirely for children. Besides giving useful advice for those running a club for the first time, John Hardwick offers a wide range of resources, including dramas, crafts, games, and teaching. There is a good structure, but choices need to be made, demanding a significant degree of engagement with the material. The BRF has a track record of producing good holiday-club resources. \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T14:45:08+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T14:45:09+00:00","vendor":"John Hardwick","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry"],"price":1199,"price_min":1199,"price_max":1199,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875917746556,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018409","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme: A ready to roll five-day holiday club or 12-week midweek club plan - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":1199,"weight":306,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018409","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259439612043,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"width":479,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593"},"aspect_ratio":0.709,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018409-l.jpg?v=1589991593","width":479}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eExciting programme suggestions for use with both holiday clubs and midweek clubs. Pull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of fun-filled activities for 5-11s. Cruise six 'C's and meet people along the way whose lives changed course when they met Jesus. Discover their stories through the six 'C's of choice, courage, call, change, commitment and challenge, and find out how we too can get on board with Jesus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach of the six themes is unpacked through an exciting mix of songs; up-front talks and theme illustrations; team challenges; daily dramas with the ever-popular Watt family; crafts; games; puppet sketches; dramatised Bible stories; quizzes and funsheets, all provided off-the-peg and ready to roll. There are also hints and tips for setting up your club, suggested programme outlines, creative prayer activities, downloadable MP3s of all the songs; templates for posters, badges, invitations and registration sheets; and ideas for an extra event.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for 5-11s in midweek and holiday clubs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePull up the anchor and get ready to sail as \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e launches into a programme of simple, fun-to-do activities. We'll be cruising the six 'C's, meeting people along the way who have had a life-changing encounter with Jesus. First of all there is the 'C' of Choice, then Courage, Call, Change, Commitment and Challenge. Just like the people we meet in the Bible stories about Jesus, we have choices to make, many of which will involve a great deal of courage. As Christians, we believe that God calls us to meet with Jesus and allow him to change our lives. God is committed to us and, when we choose to follow him, we too must be committed - to God and to one another. Often our choice challenges us to make a change which is well worth making, so don't miss out: step aboard as we sail away on The Adventure Cruise!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e contains all the essential ingredients for a successful, easy-to-run midweek or holiday club programme, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSongs: Songs that we learn as children stay with us right through our lives. They are a wonderful way of planting biblical truths in a fun way. Children love helping with actions for songs, so why not ask for volunteers to join those who are leading the actions, to demonstrate them for the rest of the children.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening talks: A short talk to introduce the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTheme illustrations and challenges: A fun way of getting children involved in the upfront times, plus a creative way to illustrate the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Watt family serial drama: The Watt family find themselves battling against pirates on a modern cruise liner. Yes, pirates still exist - but they are not exciting heroes, just a bunch of crooks. The Watt family save the day on the adventure cruise of a lifetime. The daily instalments can be performed by a drama group, listened to on CD (visit www. johnhardwick.org.uk) or read as an adventure story. The Watt family serial drama helps set the scene and leaves the children on a cliff hanger each time, ensuring that they are keen to return to hear the next episode.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrafts: A range of simple crafts ideas that fit with the theme of the programme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGames: Team games for the children to enjoy. Also good for spending excess energy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePuppet sketches: A fun way to introduce and reinforce the theme for the day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuick quiz questions: An ideal way to recap and reinforce in a fun way what the children have learnt. Also a way of earning points for the teams or tokens to spend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBible story narrations: Many children attending a holiday or midweek club know few stories from the Bible, so this is a wonderful opportunity to teach them. There are profound lessons to be learned from the amazing stories, so please never feel that we have outgrown them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayers: A quiet way to explore the theme.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTime fillers: Ideas for expanding the programme as required.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemplates: Simple ideas for creating the publicity and administration items for your club.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBadges, invitation cards, registration form and presentation poster.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePhotocopy permission is given on all scripts and music notation for the theme songs and memory verses, as well as the templates for the crafts, publicity, and administration forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe songs within The Adventure Cruise Midweek and Holiday Club Programme are available on a CD directly from \u003ca href=\"http:\/\/johnhardwick.org.uk\/\"\u003eJohn Hardwick's website\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJohn works under the banner of Counties and Children Worldwide to present the Christian message in an exciting way, which will appeal to children of all ages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHe is an all-age worship leader at Spring Harvest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom \u003cem\u003eChurch Times\u003c\/em\u003e - 2 August 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e offers resources for a nautically themed holiday club or midweek programme. Unlike the other books reviewed here, it does not cater for all ages, but is entirely for children. Besides giving useful advice for those running a club for the first time, John Hardwick offers a wide range of resources, including dramas, crafts, games, and teaching. There is a good structure, but choices need to be made, demanding a significant degree of engagement with the material. The BRF has a track record of producing good holiday-club resources. \u003cem\u003eThe Adventure Cruise\u003c\/em\u003e is no exception.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Revd Dana Delap\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14961544462716,"title":"Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! A once-a-month children's programme for small churches","handle":"not-sunday-not-school-bible-heroes-a-once-a-month-childrens-programme-for-small-churches-1","description":"\u003cp\u003eIdeal for church-based children's leaders working with 3-11s. \u003cem\u003eNot Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes!\u003c\/em\u003e contains eleven off-the-peg themed activity programmes and a five-session holiday club based around the lives of Old and New Testament Bible heroes, both well-known and less familiar. The material builds on the success of Not Sunday, Not School! and Through the Year with Jesus! by offering a further year's worth of programme ideas to facilitate children's work in small churches and rural communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach two-hour programme offers material for a range of practical activities including storytelling, games, art and craft, drama, discussions, music, cookery and Bible teaching, plus ideas for an act of worship following a workshop session. These activities are designed to explore the stories of God working through people throughout history, including considering how we ourselves might fit in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe programmes are introduced with helpful hints on how to run an effective children's programme outside of Sunday worship, including information on planning and preparation, using the Bible, creative and reflective storytelling and a concluding act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T14:39:17+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T14:37:50+00:00","vendor":"BRFonline","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875881931132,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857461506","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":false,"name":"Not Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes! A once-a-month children's programme for small churches - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":0,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857461506","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":"Not Sunday Not School Bible Heroes!","id":3259457732747,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":676,"width":445,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434"},"aspect_ratio":0.658,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857461506-l.jpg?v=1589991434","width":445}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003eIdeal for church-based children's leaders working with 3-11s. \u003cem\u003eNot Sunday, Not School Bible Heroes!\u003c\/em\u003e contains eleven off-the-peg themed activity programmes and a five-session holiday club based around the lives of Old and New Testament Bible heroes, both well-known and less familiar. The material builds on the success of Not Sunday, Not School! and Through the Year with Jesus! by offering a further year's worth of programme ideas to facilitate children's work in small churches and rural communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach two-hour programme offers material for a range of practical activities including storytelling, games, art and craft, drama, discussions, music, cookery and Bible teaching, plus ideas for an act of worship following a workshop session. These activities are designed to explore the stories of God working through people throughout history, including considering how we ourselves might fit in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe programmes are introduced with helpful hints on how to run an effective children's programme outside of Sunday worship, including information on planning and preparation, using the Bible, creative and reflective storytelling and a concluding act of worship.\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14961536827772,"title":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family","handle":"messy-family-fun-a-holiday-club-for-all-the-family-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T14:34:31+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T14:33:52+00:00","vendor":"Lucy Moore","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Messy Church books"],"price":999,"price_min":999,"price_max":999,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875872985468,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857463050","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"Messy Family Fun: A holiday club for all the family - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":999,"weight":305,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857463050","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259460714635,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"width":488,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964"},"aspect_ratio":0.699,"height":698,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9780857463050-l_603bfdce-46dc-445d-9402-0979667f1503.jpg?v=1550674964","width":488},{"alt":null,"id":9585736351896,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"width":454,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337"},"aspect_ratio":0.698,"height":650,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/DOWNLOAD3050.jpg?v=1591979337","width":454}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that strengthens their relationships with each other - and yours with them!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMessy Family Fun\u003c\/em\u003e gives you everything you need to run a holiday club programme for children and adults together. It includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Family Fun Club: five three-hour session plans (including meal time) designed to be run on consecutive days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMessy Church Fun Day: outline for a one-day taster or community event to attract new families\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackground, rationale and principles for the five-day model, plus stories of similar initiatives and follow-up ideas\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComprehensive downloadable support material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e"}
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£9.99
'Nothing else we've tried has had anything like the same impact' Fun, low-cost holiday time for your Messy Church families that...
{"id":14961403494780,"title":"Few Children Great Opportunities: 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed-age church-based groups","handle":"few-children-great-opportunities-12-stand-alone-sessions-for-mixed-age-church-based-groups-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e contains 12 ready-to-use thematic sessions exploring the character of God through the model we see in Jesus. The programme is ideal for church-based children's work where there are small numbers of children and an age range from 3 to 11 years. Because a small number of children with a mixed age range also defines many families, the material can be adapted for home use by families who want to spend time growing in faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are non-sequential and can be used in any order whilst still building on each other. The material seeks to engage head, heart and hands by giving several ways to tell a Bible story using different learning styles; offering a variety of activities that help children to engage with the story; and including original songs, rhymes and chants as well as non-musical ways to worship God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format has the flexibility to be used in church-based groups lasting between 20 and 60 minutes or within a midweek club. Each session is structured in the same way and includes a story book activity to provide continuity, cohesion and recall, and a family follow-up sheet with ideas to encourage families to think about each characteristic at home together during the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12 characters of God explored in the programme include: love; faithfulness; patience; power; goodness; self-control; peace; trustworthiness; kindness; truthful; gentleness and joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for small church-based children's groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting the best out of the material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can spread Jesus' love\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is faithful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can keep faithful to God's word\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is patient\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Learning to be patient, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is powerful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Discovering God's power at work in u\u003c\/em\u003es\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's goodness to those who are unwell\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is self-controlled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Managing our lives in God's best ways\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is peace\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Being a peacemaker, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is trustworthy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Trusting God with everything in life\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is kind\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can show God's kindness to those in need\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is truth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Living a truthful life with God\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is gentle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's gentleness\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is joyful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Sharing God's joy\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is themed, and it doesn't matter in which order the sessions are used. In your initial preparation you may wish to discuss with your church leader the preaching programme for the coming few months and see if any of the sessions are more appropriate for particular weeks. Once prepared, however, a facilitator can hold a session over and use it at any later date if no children turn up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is flexible and can be easily adapted to the time available, whether 20 minutes or over an hour. If you only have a short session time, the material can be shaped into two or more sessions so that you are not wasting material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasis is given to forming and growing a relationship with God and the people around us, and learning to serve God and each other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuch of the preparation for the session by the facilitator will consist of reading the Bible references, thinking through their own responses and becoming familiar with the options and ideas suggested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe activities suggested, together with various options, can be customised to the numbers and ages of the group, even adapting at the point of delivery. It may sometimes happen that all the items prepared do not get used on a particular day. This shouldn't be regarded as a waste of time or effort, as these items can often be used or adapted on another occasion, and will save preparation time later on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session includes ideas for home follow-up that can be suggested to parents, but the whole session can also be adapted to be used at home by families who want to set aside a time to connect with God and each other. See the section headed 'Using the material at home'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositive attention is given to developing an awareness of the mystery and wonder of God and finding meaningful ways together to celebrate him and express love for him.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryone is encouraged to discover God's character through the actions or teaching of Jesus, find out how people have responded to God in the past (both people in the Bible and in more recent history), discover people and organisations today who are responding to God through love and action and consider their own response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure trove for all who struggle to provide meaningful times for small and fluctuating groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Catherine Kite, Faith Support Officer, Mothers' Union\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is simply outstanding. It looks thin for the price, but it is packed full. Strictly speaking, this is a Sunday School book, but there is much that can be very easily adapted for the All Age Context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise of this book is a situation all too familiar in many churches: a single Sunday School class with few members across a wide age-range, several of whom are not present every week. It's difficult to maintain continuity and dispiriting. This book contains 12 stand-alone sessions, which are designed so they can effectively be split into two or four sessions each, depending on the length of time available on the Sunday. In theory, you could have a year's worth of sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's great about this book is that the authors create an age-appropriate 'liturgical' routine which includes opening and adding to special group scrapbook each week. So there's a skilfully developed combination of the familiar and the new. This gives continuity whether or not children have missed a week. In the All Age context, this could be adapted to a monthly service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso brilliant is that they offer explicit instructions, telling you what to say and teaching you how to listen. Of course, this can be adapted. You don't have to follow it precisely, but the effect is like a very good recipe book. You can tell these recipes will work, but they can also mined for ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is headed with the theme, passage, Bible verse, linked stories from news and culture and theme. The sessions are clearly and helpfully divided into 'Way in', 'learn from Jesus', 'Tell... Consider... Explore... ... the Story', 'Praise', 'Explore other people's stories', 'Respond', 'Review', 'Way out', 'Follow up'. In fact, if you only took a few of these headings and regularly framed All Age Worship according to them, the book would have been money very well spent. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way - June to September 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany rural churches struggle to run meaningful children's groups, but resources are now becoming available that give real help - with material that is suitable for small numbers, a wide age-range and limited resources (especially in terms of leaders); \u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e is one of these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are designed for church-based groups, but are equally suited to those that meet in homes or even for individual families. Each is based around one facet of God's character (e.g. peace, truth, love) and how this is relevant for a child's daily life. Although there are connections between the different sessions, they can be used in any order. All follow a similar pattern, and have at their core a short passage of Scripture around which the rest of the activities revolve. They include the careful use of stories and linked activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery helpful guidelines are provided at the start on how to make the best use of the material, and the material is designed flexibly so that each session can be adapted to cover more than one week. The additional resources required are few and relatively simple, but will require access to the internet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not rural in content, this is another useful tool for small rural churches in their ministry to children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book was advertised in the January 2013 newsletter. It contains 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed age children's groups, each exploring a characteristic of God. It is published by Bible Reading Fellowship and costs 8.99. I began reading the opening pages of this book with some apprehension as some books seem to expect more time, or artistic ability, than I can offer. However I was encouraged by the tone and attitude towards children that came from the pages. There is a gentleness and yet an undercurrent of excitement about exploring who is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used the first session on a Sunday when I ended up with seven children ranging from a 3-year old with limited English to an articulate girl of 13, including a couple of very shy children and a noisy boy. As preparation I had already read the session and picked out what I would do in the 30 mins available. All of the resources needed I already had either at home or at church. Before the group started I quickly made up an example of the simple craft. It was accessible to all ages, though some needed more support but some of the older children were happy to help. The oldest children were up for joining in the fun and the youngest followed their lead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey all seemed to get a sense of wonder from placing a drop of diluted food colouring onto paper towel and seeing how far it spread, like God's love spreading out. The small numbers enabled us to do this one at a time which allowed anticipation and each child to have their moment of full attention. They enjoy trying to fit under a duvet cover to represent being surrounded by God's love. The cups with hearts on were ideal for our worship time. Overall I found the material interactive and inclusive with some different ways of conveying God's love and our connection to it. I would need to work on ways to ensure the oldest ones have opportunities to learn and stretch themselves. As it stands I would say that 11 is really the upper age limit for this material. However by using a couple of leaders it would be simple to have deeper discussion with older ones as part of it. I was certainly grateful for the material which was ideal for a broad range of children, both in terms of age and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Linda Hallett, Uckfield URC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2025-01-14T13:21:42+00:00","created_at":"2025-01-14T13:20:50+00:00","vendor":"Sue Price and Ruth Alliston","type":"Paperback","tags":["Children and family ministry","Glassboxx"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":false,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":54875724054908,"title":"Paperback","option1":"Paperback","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9781841018805","requires_shipping":true,"taxable":false,"featured_image":{"id":8945786290276,"product_id":14961403494780,"position":1,"created_at":"2019-02-20T16:11:23+00:00","updated_at":"2020-05-20T17:16:09+01:00","alt":null,"width":476,"height":676,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","variant_ids":[54875724054908]},"available":false,"name":"Few Children Great Opportunities: 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed-age church-based groups - Paperback","public_title":"Paperback","options":["Paperback"],"price":899,"weight":241,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9781841018805","featured_media":{"alt":null,"id":3259468480651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"width":476,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"}},"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":3259468480651,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"width":476,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369"},"aspect_ratio":0.704,"height":676,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/products\/9781841018805-l.jpg?v=1589991369","width":476}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e contains 12 ready-to-use thematic sessions exploring the character of God through the model we see in Jesus. The programme is ideal for church-based children's work where there are small numbers of children and an age range from 3 to 11 years. Because a small number of children with a mixed age range also defines many families, the material can be adapted for home use by families who want to spend time growing in faith together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are non-sequential and can be used in any order whilst still building on each other. The material seeks to engage head, heart and hands by giving several ways to tell a Bible story using different learning styles; offering a variety of activities that help children to engage with the story; and including original songs, rhymes and chants as well as non-musical ways to worship God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe format has the flexibility to be used in church-based groups lasting between 20 and 60 minutes or within a midweek club. Each session is structured in the same way and includes a story book activity to provide continuity, cohesion and recall, and a family follow-up sheet with ideas to encourage families to think about each characteristic at home together during the week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 12 characters of God explored in the programme include: love; faithfulness; patience; power; goodness; self-control; peace; trustworthiness; kindness; truthful; gentleness and joy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for small church-based children's groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eContents\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGetting the best out of the material\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is love\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can spread Jesus' love\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is faithful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can keep faithful to God's word\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is patient\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Learning to be patient, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is powerful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Discovering God's power at work in u\u003c\/em\u003es\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is good\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's goodness to those who are unwell\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is self-controlled\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Managing our lives in God's best ways\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is peace\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Being a peacemaker, like Jesus\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is trustworthy\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Trusting God with everything in life\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is kind\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: We can show God's kindness to those in need\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is truth\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Living a truthful life with God\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is gentle\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Showing God's gentleness\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGod is joyful\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eTheme: Sharing God's joy\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eFrom the Introduction\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is themed, and it doesn't matter in which order the sessions are used. In your initial preparation you may wish to discuss with your church leader the preaching programme for the coming few months and see if any of the sessions are more appropriate for particular weeks. Once prepared, however, a facilitator can hold a session over and use it at any later date if no children turn up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session is flexible and can be easily adapted to the time available, whether 20 minutes or over an hour. If you only have a short session time, the material can be shaped into two or more sessions so that you are not wasting material.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmphasis is given to forming and growing a relationship with God and the people around us, and learning to serve God and each other.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMuch of the preparation for the session by the facilitator will consist of reading the Bible references, thinking through their own responses and becoming familiar with the options and ideas suggested.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe activities suggested, together with various options, can be customised to the numbers and ages of the group, even adapting at the point of delivery. It may sometimes happen that all the items prepared do not get used on a particular day. This shouldn't be regarded as a waste of time or effort, as these items can often be used or adapted on another occasion, and will save preparation time later on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEach session includes ideas for home follow-up that can be suggested to parents, but the whole session can also be adapted to be used at home by families who want to set aside a time to connect with God and each other. See the section headed 'Using the material at home'.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositive attention is given to developing an awareness of the mystery and wonder of God and finding meaningful ways together to celebrate him and express love for him.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEveryone is encouraged to discover God's character through the actions or teaching of Jesus, find out how people have responded to God in the past (both people in the Bible and in more recent history), discover people and organisations today who are responding to God through love and action and consider their own response.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eEndorsements\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a treasure trove for all who struggle to provide meaningful times for small and fluctuating groups.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Catherine Kite, Faith Support Officer, Mothers' Union\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinistry Today - Summer 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is simply outstanding. It looks thin for the price, but it is packed full. Strictly speaking, this is a Sunday School book, but there is much that can be very easily adapted for the All Age Context.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe premise of this book is a situation all too familiar in many churches: a single Sunday School class with few members across a wide age-range, several of whom are not present every week. It's difficult to maintain continuity and dispiriting. This book contains 12 stand-alone sessions, which are designed so they can effectively be split into two or four sessions each, depending on the length of time available on the Sunday. In theory, you could have a year's worth of sessions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat's great about this book is that the authors create an age-appropriate 'liturgical' routine which includes opening and adding to special group scrapbook each week. So there's a skilfully developed combination of the familiar and the new. This gives continuity whether or not children have missed a week. In the All Age context, this could be adapted to a monthly service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso brilliant is that they offer explicit instructions, telling you what to say and teaching you how to listen. Of course, this can be adapted. You don't have to follow it precisely, but the effect is like a very good recipe book. You can tell these recipes will work, but they can also mined for ideas.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter is headed with the theme, passage, Bible verse, linked stories from news and culture and theme. The sessions are clearly and helpfully divided into 'Way in', 'learn from Jesus', 'Tell... Consider... Explore... ... the Story', 'Praise', 'Explore other people's stories', 'Respond', 'Review', 'Way out', 'Follow up'. In fact, if you only took a few of these headings and regularly framed All Age Worship according to them, the book would have been money very well spent. 5\/5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRichard Dormandy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrom Country Way - June to September 2013\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany rural churches struggle to run meaningful children's groups, but resources are now becoming available that give real help - with material that is suitable for small numbers, a wide age-range and limited resources (especially in terms of leaders); \u003cem\u003eFew Children, Great Opportunities\u003c\/em\u003e is one of these.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe sessions are designed for church-based groups, but are equally suited to those that meet in homes or even for individual families. Each is based around one facet of God's character (e.g. peace, truth, love) and how this is relevant for a child's daily life. Although there are connections between the different sessions, they can be used in any order. All follow a similar pattern, and have at their core a short passage of Scripture around which the rest of the activities revolve. They include the careful use of stories and linked activities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVery helpful guidelines are provided at the start on how to make the best use of the material, and the material is designed flexibly so that each session can be adapted to cover more than one week. The additional resources required are few and relatively simple, but will require access to the internet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile not rural in content, this is another useful tool for small rural churches in their ministry to children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Simon Martin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book was advertised in the January 2013 newsletter. It contains 12 stand-alone sessions for mixed age children's groups, each exploring a characteristic of God. It is published by Bible Reading Fellowship and costs 8.99. I began reading the opening pages of this book with some apprehension as some books seem to expect more time, or artistic ability, than I can offer. However I was encouraged by the tone and attitude towards children that came from the pages. There is a gentleness and yet an undercurrent of excitement about exploring who is God.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI used the first session on a Sunday when I ended up with seven children ranging from a 3-year old with limited English to an articulate girl of 13, including a couple of very shy children and a noisy boy. As preparation I had already read the session and picked out what I would do in the 30 mins available. All of the resources needed I already had either at home or at church. Before the group started I quickly made up an example of the simple craft. It was accessible to all ages, though some needed more support but some of the older children were happy to help. The oldest children were up for joining in the fun and the youngest followed their lead.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey all seemed to get a sense of wonder from placing a drop of diluted food colouring onto paper towel and seeing how far it spread, like God's love spreading out. The small numbers enabled us to do this one at a time which allowed anticipation and each child to have their moment of full attention. They enjoy trying to fit under a duvet cover to represent being surrounded by God's love. The cups with hearts on were ideal for our worship time. Overall I found the material interactive and inclusive with some different ways of conveying God's love and our connection to it. I would need to work on ways to ensure the oldest ones have opportunities to learn and stretch themselves. As it stands I would say that 11 is really the upper age limit for this material. However by using a couple of leaders it would be simple to have deeper discussion with older ones as part of it. I was certainly grateful for the material which was ideal for a broad range of children, both in terms of age and temperament.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReviewed by Linda Hallett, Uckfield URC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
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{"id":14779765457276,"title":"The Church and Boys: Making the connection","handle":"the-church-and-boys-making-the-connection-1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhy are men and boys so under-represented in churches? Why do churches find it so difficult to cater for boys? What would help boys in church grow into mature men of faith? This uniquely inspiring book by Nick Harding spells out the problem and encourages churches to see this in missional terms. The main part of the book includes resources, suggestions and ideas to help boys connect better with the church, with the Bible, and with the Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat boys are like\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow this affects their view of church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluding boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren's worship with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChurch worship with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivities with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMentoring and supporting boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMission to boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinuing with boys (as boys become men)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConclusion - Through a boy's eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNick is currently Diocese Children's Ministry Adviser and DBS Manager for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, where he works with church leadership structures and children's leaders in training, consultation and delivery of quality children's ministry. Before this he was a teacher, schools worker, training officer, and Cathedral Education Officer. He is passionate about seeing children, young people and families grow in the church, the place of boys in faith communities, and making school visits to churches much more fun! He serves on national bodies including the C of E General Synod, is trustee of a number of charities, and has written many resources and songs for children's and schools work. He has led all-age worship, is part of the event leadership team, and has taken seminars at Spring Harvest for many years. Nick regularly speaks and delivers training at conferences around the country and in Ireland, inspects Church Schools, and sits as a magistrate in Nottinghamshire. Most importantly Nick is married to Clare (a primary school head-teacher) and they have two grown-up sons. He has books published by CPAS, Kevin Mayhew, Scripture Union, Grove and SPCK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePremier Youth and Children\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Young\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that challenges you to think about how to better engage and connect boys with the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideas and suggestions are focused on primary school boys, although, as the author says, some will work well with other ages. It follows on from Nick Harding's Grove booklet 'Boys, God and the Church' and offers a more detailed look at the issues and challenges as well as offering practical suggestions. Nick starts by asking the key question, 'What are boys like?' and says that: 'Equality does not mean we are all the same.' He reminds us that evidence suggests that boys who do attend church and church-based activities tend to leave because there is not enough to keep them connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter reading this book I was left with some clear challenges, including thinking through the particular needs boys have and reflecting on how 'boy-friendly' our church services, groups and teaching materials are. It is logical that giving a bit more thought to the kind of activities and teaching programmes you provide will ensure that the needs of both boys and girls are met, which will, in turn, lead to them coming to faith and playing an active part in the life of the Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The Church and Boys' is well set out with clear and helpful chapters. I started scribbling ideas and thoughts from the beginning and have already made changes to the way I do things. It is definitely a book I will be sharing with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRuth Young, children and families' missioner at St John's, Walmley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Door\u003c\/em\u003e - Diocese of Oxford, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This book is a must for anyone seeking to re-evaluate their ministry with children.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'To recognise that boys are different from girls can be a dangerous thing to do.' So opens Nick Harding's latest book \u003cem\u003eThe Church and Boys\u003c\/em\u003e. This book is an expansion of a Grove booklet Nick wrote back in 2007 when the Church was only just beginning to recognise that perhaps boys and girls do have different needs when it comes to faith formation and nurture. My sense is that it is still difficult to have in-depth conversations about how, as churches, we can helpfully acknowledge difference without getting hung up about it. But here Nick provides a great way in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI must confess there are many things in this book that made me think, 'that applies to girls too', and, 'yes, but I know girls who share those preferences too', but it also challenged me to consider again how intentionally I plan my Sunday Group to be accessible and engaging across the spectrum of needs of both boys and girls - which, I expect, can only be a good thing. It is easy to get complacent about what we think we know about children, or to get set in a pattern of how we like things to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also made me extremely grateful for the fact that I have the opportunity to minister to boys as well as girls, something that Nick highlights as not to be taken for granted. Boys do bring unique things to our groups. Is that because they are boys or because they are uniquely human and therefore made in God's image? We could debate that a lot further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must for anyone seeking to re-evaluate their ministry with children and who wants to intentionally and seriously nurture both boys and girls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe massive challenge Nick presents us with is that the biggest thing that will make a difference to boys in our churches is that they have male role models as leaders of their groups. Unfortunately, the gender disparity in the majority of churches will mean this either feels completely impossible or offers us a huge missional opportunity to seek to reach boys and men in meaningful ways. You choose!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers useful and thought-provoking theory and background, plus some helpful practical tips and ideas. It's an easy read - I read it quickly but it still had an impact. This is certainly a good resource if you have never really thought about this issue before or are just getting going in your thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eYvonne Morris is the Children's Work Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePobl Dewi\u003c\/em\u003e, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecently I looked around our Sunday School: with an average attendance of 20, about 80% are girls. By contrast, the evangelistic youth group I run has only boys. Boys are absent from churches, but are not against Jesus or Christianity. This book covers a topic I am grappling with, but the whole church urgently needs to tackle it as well. Harding's introduction highlights Christian statistician Peter Brierley's work, which suggests that by 2028 males will be an endangered species in our churches. Having written my dissertation on this topic I think Brierley is optimistic, especially if we look at the Church in Wales. This needs urgent attention -- look around your church on Sunday. So, how does this book help?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe need to realise that boys are different from girls. 'Churches still tend to see they their children, if they have any, as a homogenous group.' Only once we recognise how boys and girls differ does the number of problems boys face in church become obvious. I recognised situations I had encountered in my youth, in churches I know now or in our own Sunday school. Read this chapter with an open mind, expect to be challenged and, maybe as part of a group, look at what you can do to be more accessible to boys. Every year I attend many carol services and subject people to my dislike for \u003cem\u003eOnce in Royal David's City\u003c\/em\u003e. Why? Because what does the line 'Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as He' say to a boy? Boys want to be boys, they want a challenge and a hero. Jesus offers both, but does the church?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarding offers practical help with planning, materials, prayers, session outlines and worship ideas. After a recent discussion with young people at the Governing Body a point to highlight is simply talk to boys in your church, listen to them and include them in decision-making. We should be inspiring the leaders of the future, and therefore appropriate mentoring and role models are needed. I was encouraged by a male vicar, who, once a month, made a point of leaving the service to help in the Sunday School. Far from his comfort zone but showing that young people were just as central to church life as the rest of the congregation.\u003cbr\u003eThis book is a must read for laity, clergy and bishop; it is an excellent first step to engaging more with boys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDan Priddy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","published_at":"2024-10-30T11:15:36+00:00","created_at":"2024-10-30T11:14:51+00:00","vendor":"Nick Harding","type":"eBook","tags":["Children and family ministry","Glassboxx","Sep-16"],"price":899,"price_min":899,"price_max":899,"available":true,"price_varies":false,"compare_at_price":null,"compare_at_price_min":0,"compare_at_price_max":0,"compare_at_price_varies":false,"variants":[{"id":53604878418300,"title":"eBook","option1":"eBook","option2":null,"option3":null,"sku":"9780857465108","requires_shipping":false,"taxable":false,"featured_image":null,"available":true,"name":"The Church and Boys: Making the connection - eBook","public_title":"eBook","options":["eBook"],"price":899,"weight":203,"compare_at_price":null,"inventory_management":"shopify","barcode":"9780857465108","requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_allocations":[]}],"images":["\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/321.png?v=1730980383","\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/322.png?v=1730980276"],"featured_image":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/321.png?v=1730980383","options":["Format"],"media":[{"alt":null,"id":63001501139324,"position":1,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/321.png?v=1730980383"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/321.png?v=1730980383","width":1303},{"alt":null,"id":63001476170108,"position":2,"preview_image":{"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"width":1303,"src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/322.png?v=1730980276"},"aspect_ratio":0.652,"height":2000,"media_type":"image","src":"\/\/www.brfonline.org.uk\/cdn\/shop\/files\/322.png?v=1730980276","width":1303}],"requires_selling_plan":false,"selling_plan_groups":[],"content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDigital eBook Only - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003eWhy are men and boys so under-represented in churches? Why do churches find it so difficult to cater for boys? What would help boys in church grow into mature men of faith? This uniquely inspiring book by Nick Harding spells out the problem and encourages churches to see this in missional terms. The main part of the book includes resources, suggestions and ideas to help boys connect better with the church, with the Bible, and with the Christian faith.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eContents include:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat boys are like\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow this affects their view of church\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluding boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrayer with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChildren's worship with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChurch worship with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe Bible with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eActivities with boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMentoring and supporting boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMission to boys\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContinuing with boys (as boys become men)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConclusion - Through a boy's eyes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eAuthor info\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNick is currently Diocese Children's Ministry Adviser and DBS Manager for the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, where he works with church leadership structures and children's leaders in training, consultation and delivery of quality children's ministry. Before this he was a teacher, schools worker, training officer, and Cathedral Education Officer. He is passionate about seeing children, young people and families grow in the church, the place of boys in faith communities, and making school visits to churches much more fun! He serves on national bodies including the C of E General Synod, is trustee of a number of charities, and has written many resources and songs for children's and schools work. He has led all-age worship, is part of the event leadership team, and has taken seminars at Spring Harvest for many years. Nick regularly speaks and delivers training at conferences around the country and in Ireland, inspects Church Schools, and sits as a magistrate in Nottinghamshire. Most importantly Nick is married to Clare (a primary school head-teacher) and they have two grown-up sons. He has books published by CPAS, Kevin Mayhew, Scripture Union, Grove and SPCK.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch5\u003eMedia reviews\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePremier Youth and Children\u003c\/em\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview by Ruth Young\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a book that challenges you to think about how to better engage and connect boys with the church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ideas and suggestions are focused on primary school boys, although, as the author says, some will work well with other ages. It follows on from Nick Harding's Grove booklet 'Boys, God and the Church' and offers a more detailed look at the issues and challenges as well as offering practical suggestions. Nick starts by asking the key question, 'What are boys like?' and says that: 'Equality does not mean we are all the same.' He reminds us that evidence suggests that boys who do attend church and church-based activities tend to leave because there is not enough to keep them connected.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter reading this book I was left with some clear challenges, including thinking through the particular needs boys have and reflecting on how 'boy-friendly' our church services, groups and teaching materials are. It is logical that giving a bit more thought to the kind of activities and teaching programmes you provide will ensure that the needs of both boys and girls are met, which will, in turn, lead to them coming to faith and playing an active part in the life of the Church.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'The Church and Boys' is well set out with clear and helpful chapters. I started scribbling ideas and thoughts from the beginning and have already made changes to the way I do things. It is definitely a book I will be sharing with others.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRuth Young, children and families' missioner at St John's, Walmley\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Door\u003c\/em\u003e - Diocese of Oxford, December 2016\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'This book is a must for anyone seeking to re-evaluate their ministry with children.'\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'To recognise that boys are different from girls can be a dangerous thing to do.' So opens Nick Harding's latest book \u003cem\u003eThe Church and Boys\u003c\/em\u003e. This book is an expansion of a Grove booklet Nick wrote back in 2007 when the Church was only just beginning to recognise that perhaps boys and girls do have different needs when it comes to faith formation and nurture. My sense is that it is still difficult to have in-depth conversations about how, as churches, we can helpfully acknowledge difference without getting hung up about it. But here Nick provides a great way in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI must confess there are many things in this book that made me think, 'that applies to girls too', and, 'yes, but I know girls who share those preferences too', but it also challenged me to consider again how intentionally I plan my Sunday Group to be accessible and engaging across the spectrum of needs of both boys and girls - which, I expect, can only be a good thing. It is easy to get complacent about what we think we know about children, or to get set in a pattern of how we like things to be done.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt also made me extremely grateful for the fact that I have the opportunity to minister to boys as well as girls, something that Nick highlights as not to be taken for granted. Boys do bring unique things to our groups. Is that because they are boys or because they are uniquely human and therefore made in God's image? We could debate that a lot further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book is a must for anyone seeking to re-evaluate their ministry with children and who wants to intentionally and seriously nurture both boys and girls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe massive challenge Nick presents us with is that the biggest thing that will make a difference to boys in our churches is that they have male role models as leaders of their groups. Unfortunately, the gender disparity in the majority of churches will mean this either feels completely impossible or offers us a huge missional opportunity to seek to reach boys and men in meaningful ways. You choose!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis book offers useful and thought-provoking theory and background, plus some helpful practical tips and ideas. It's an easy read - I read it quickly but it still had an impact. This is certainly a good resource if you have never really thought about this issue before or are just getting going in your thinking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003eYvonne Morris is the Children's Work Adviser for the Diocese of Oxford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ePobl Dewi\u003c\/em\u003e, June 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRecently I looked around our Sunday School: with an average attendance of 20, about 80% are girls. By contrast, the evangelistic youth group I run has only boys. Boys are absent from churches, but are not against Jesus or Christianity. This book covers a topic I am grappling with, but the whole church urgently needs to tackle it as well. Harding's introduction highlights Christian statistician Peter Brierley's work, which suggests that by 2028 males will be an endangered species in our churches. Having written my dissertation on this topic I think Brierley is optimistic, especially if we look at the Church in Wales. This needs urgent attention -- look around your church on Sunday. So, how does this book help?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe need to realise that boys are different from girls. 'Churches still tend to see they their children, if they have any, as a homogenous group.' Only once we recognise how boys and girls differ does the number of problems boys face in church become obvious. I recognised situations I had encountered in my youth, in churches I know now or in our own Sunday school. Read this chapter with an open mind, expect to be challenged and, maybe as part of a group, look at what you can do to be more accessible to boys. Every year I attend many carol services and subject people to my dislike for \u003cem\u003eOnce in Royal David's City\u003c\/em\u003e. Why? Because what does the line 'Christian children all must be mild, obedient, good as He' say to a boy? Boys want to be boys, they want a challenge and a hero. Jesus offers both, but does the church?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarding offers practical help with planning, materials, prayers, session outlines and worship ideas. After a recent discussion with young people at the Governing Body a point to highlight is simply talk to boys in your church, listen to them and include them in decision-making. We should be inspiring the leaders of the future, and therefore appropriate mentoring and role models are needed. I was encouraged by a male vicar, who, once a month, made a point of leaving the service to help in the Sunday School. Far from his comfort zone but showing that young people were just as central to church life as the rest of the congregation.\u003cbr\u003eThis book is a must read for laity, clergy and bishop; it is an excellent first step to engaging more with boys.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDan Priddy\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e"}
You may also like:
The Church and Boys: Making the connection
£8.99
Digital eBook Only - Why are men and boys so under-represented in churches? Why do churches find it so difficult...